[17], In October 2002, torrential rain caused damage to several structures, as well as two landslides behind Summerland which dislodged two 50-tonne concrete blocks that had once supported the roof of the original building, but had not been removed in the wake of the fire. My Mum and I started to go towards a spiral staircase which led towards the main entrance but my uncle steered us further along the gallery to where there were fire exits leading to the swimming pool area. William LeedsI remember going there as a 6 year old. Seconds later the light grew to a flame a few feet high, then within no time at all there were large flames extending the whole height of the side of the building I was frozen in shock watching what was kicking off. Semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey IM8 Just added. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. It wasn't until we were on the promenade at a safe distance that I looked back to see the building completely engulfed in flames. NOTHING! Location: Isle of Man Date Posted: 4/5/2017 2:49:35 PM Waymark Code: WMVDNA The Summerland site is to go on sale after Manx government attempts to find a private development partner failed. IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS IMS VINTAGE PHOTOS THIS IS AN ORIGINAL VINTAGE 394351480931 The plans took years to finalise. I dont remember the initial Summerlands complex, but I was in Summerlands in the mid 80's; after it was rebuilt and reopened in 1978; I was therer on annual camp with the scouts, that was the year I joined the scouts and that was the reason i joined, the trip to the Isle of Man.What a great time I had there using the swimming pool. I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. If you like to see Seven Sisters - view in Seaford, United Kingdom or any other wonderful filming locations from Summerland, start scrolling. Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) I WILL RETURN AS THERE IS A KIND OF MAGIC ATTRACTION ABOUT THE ISLAND,I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER 'THE GEM IN THE IRISH SEA' WAYNE FORD, Moonwalk,rollerskating & swimming, just 3 of the things that kept myself, my brother & cousins entertained for hours. SUMMERLAND, DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN. I stood on the prom looking over at the Summerland complex contemplating whether to give it a go or not. John McGimpseyI was 15,and in the fire, but I escaped by jumping around the bannisters which were jammed with people too frightened to move on the stairs which were on the same side as the balcony with the crazy golf where the fire was started.. I've got used to passing the site & it not being there but from the boat, going in either direction it's still not the same. I loved it so much and will always remember it . They went to give bloood and looked for my brother and sister on the way. My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. Original 1970s flyer in colour. Looking at the picture of the pool makes me sad!! dotty kiddI was 17 and was working there at the time of the fire, it was total panic, the fire spread so fast and no body could get out due to the doors being locked, I managed to get my friend away safely but with all the panic going on around I ended up in a daze, I dont know how I got out but remember someone pulling me, I got out befor the first explosion went off. The panic started and we all headed for the fire exit down the steps, only to find the doors were locked. In 1973, the Summerland Complex suffered a tragic accidental As kids we used to holiday in the Isle of Man either at port St Mary or Peel. I would like to see an ice-skating rink there (which the Island needs). 14a Majestic Apartments King Edward Road Onchan IM3 2BD. My mum eventually took me and my sisters and I couldn't believe how new and lovely everything was. Summerland was rebuilt, but staff and visitors to the site reported the sounds of screaming, hearing footsteps along empty passages, and occasionally seeing ghostly people wandering around the area. [13] The inscription on the 1998 disaster memorial did not give a death toll; its 2013 replacement lists all 50 names. On the third attempt, my uncle's door came open and several others followed. You were certainly spoilt for choice - you could go swimming in 2 lovely new pools, rollerskate or play a multitude of sports in the massive sports hall, moonwalk in a big white type of enclosed bouncy castle (which like everything in there had a distinctive new smell). Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. [19][20], On other anniversaries of the disaster many memorials take place, such as a memorial concert and a moment of silence at the location which is now a vacant site. Summerland was an odd mix of styles: one half light, airy and modern; the other windowless and concrete. You are in: Isle of Man > History > Where the sun always shines. (en) dbo:thumbnail After a geotechnical team determined that the blocks could not be safely stabilised or removed, and that there was a risk they would fall into the buildings below, the site was scheduled for demolition. We stayed for a week and on all of the 4 nights preceding the evening of the disaster I had been to the complex for a swim and play around with new-found friends. A recent trip to Isle of Man brought back many happy memories but I was sad to see that not only had Summerlands closed but the building was completly gone.Some people said I was daft as there was no pool on the prominade but my memories of that place will never disappear. The BBC reserves the right to edit comments submitted. StuartI was 9 at the time of the Summerland fire and on holiday with my Mum and Dad staying at the Granada Hotel as we always did then. 1. A couple of the girls had been at the afternoon disco but were on their way back to the digs when the fire must have taken hold. I've just seen that picture of the pool with the rows of spectator seats and it brought it all back to me.I remember the next year when the fire happened because we were packing for our holiday to Anglesea when the news broke. I used to love walking round the place & everytime it was just as amazing as the first time.Then in my teens & 20's & 30's going to the cave & upstairs for the TT events from TT supporters club meetings,to gigs & tyre balancing. On August 2, 1973, at about 20.00, a fire in a kiosk close to Summerland, Isle of Man, started a conflagration and caused the death of 50 people. keith jamiesonI was 7 and on holiday with family,that inluded aunts,uncles and cousins.A lot of us had been holdaying in Douglas that week and we spent a lot of time in Summerland.It was a great place to spend the day.It had all the ammenities ,everything you wanted was there,a funfare ,indoor heated swimming pool,indoor amusement arcade.It had bars,a disco's everything.On the night of the fire, we just finished our evening meal in our hotel and we began walking up Douglas promenade ,going towards Summerland,when we noticed smoke billowing up from behind the building,the next instant the entire building was engulfed in flames.I remember seeing people pouring out of the building,some were on fire,it was horrific.We were standing some distance away and I could not take my eyes off it.The explosions from the burning building boomed across Douglas bay.I had never seen so many injured people before and it is something that I wll never forget.The following morning we all cut our holiday short and returned home,as the ferry was leaving Douglas we all stood on the boat deck ,staring at the burnt out shell of Summerland.Have never been back to IOM since that terrible fire. It is a British Crown dependency (and therefore not part of the United Kingdom itself); the UK is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. [11] Around 80 people were seriously injured in the resulting crush and fire and received physical and mental scars. A lot of people on the Island will never forget what happened on 2nd August 1973. i remembr 1968-69 , I worked at White City on the Isle of Man , they were the eight best years of my life. (The comedian/presenter on stage made a remark about there being "a chip pan on fire"). On the night of the fire my Mum and Dad were taking me to see the Black & White minstrels, my much older brother and sister didn't want to go and went on the prom. Its charred steel skeletal remains were demolished in 1975 and then rebuilt on a smaller scale, construction commencing in 1976, with a smaller area of glass than the original, and a highly advanced fire extinguisher and alarm system. Locations. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. 4 bedroom semi-detached house for sale in Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey, IM8 for 420,000. I remember winning a talent contest at Summerland when I was 6 years old.We went to the IOM every year for our summer holidays. [10], Because of the locked fire doors, many people headed to the main entrance, which caused a crush.[9]. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. It wasn't until we were on the promenade at a safe distance that I looked back to see the building completely engulfed in flames. This button displays the currently selected search type. At first we thought it was only a small fire but we soon became aware that it was a lot more serious. The site was acquired by Douglas Corporation in 1964 and The island is in desperate need of some alternative. Ian Phillips of Birmingham University suggests these reporting discrepancies explain why some sources have given incorrect death tolls of 49, 51, or 53. I remember seeing below us musicians from the group who had been on stage swimming across the learner pool, one of them with his guitar. I do recall entering a talent competition and singing 'I'm a little teapot'. Property description & features. From Wonderful California, published 1915. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. Everthing about that place was magical, everyone had a smile on their face & the atmosphere was exciting. Ladies Location: Douglas - The Nunnery estate Type: Haunting Manifestation Date / Time: Unknown We actually visited the Summerland on the day of the fire, I can remember the night of the fire, we were staying in a hotel on the opposite end of the prom, I was there with my cousin and our Mum's and Dad's had gone out for the evening. Tehachapi, CA, US. The world's first offshore oil wells, drilled from piers in 1896. I remember going there as a 6 year old. What a great place. Having met with Mr Gawne MHK to discuss my proposal for a commemorative space prior to his unsuccessful re-election, then continued with Ray Harmer MHK the newly . Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. The centre reopened in June 1978. Summerland was fulfilling its promise of taking Manx tourism into the future. Department of Community, Culture and Leisure announces future of Summerland site, Redevelopment of the Former Summerland Site - The Wave. [11], One survivor wrote about her experiences from the fire in a book entitled Made in Summerland, which was published in July 2018.[12]. I finished work on the 1st of August after working in the bar because Ihad run out of money. It was indeed quite glamorous and I know for a fact my mum and dad spent more than a few romantic evenings there, (We kids got packed off to our grandparents house!) It was indeed quite glamorous and I know for a fact my mum and dad spent more than a few romantic evenings there, (We kids got packed off to our grandparents house!) the old building demolished. The scale of the fire has been compared to those seen during the Blitz. Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. The Summerland disaster occurred when a fire spread through the Summerland leisure centre in Douglas on the Isle of Man on the night of 2 August 1973. 3. ws firemen in orange coats looking at building. I remember seeing balls of fire dropping from the top of the structure this was the so-called inflammable Oraglass (?) Much thought was given to bringing a sunshine-feel to the building. The house has 4 good sized reception rooms, a breakfast kitchen, basement, 4 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and separate wc and family bathroom. We were first alerted to it by the noise from the fire engines.Looking out the window of the boarding house we saw the flames. After a couple of hours frozen to the spot I remember seeing my Mum running towards me and picking me up, crying and hugging me as if she hadnt seen me in years or something. on arrival above somerland we couldnt beleve the whole building was an infurno (just where we would have been had we not been delayed)we left the site not beleving such a tragity could be hapening to those poor people,and by the grace of god spared us.with the passing of time and no disrespect to those who loved ones perished or were injured i beleve that summerland was a fabulous venue of the time and should be under another name be reserected for the people of the island and visitors alike,the past is the past and nothing can remain a stain of the building/archetects or goverment who built it in good faith and by unforcene events that happend.the island needs a new complex to invest in tourisem and for the island people to enjoy in these hard days ahead bring life back to the island as it was before the doom and gloom merchants moved in.being a stopover from the late 60s and with three children who were born here i personaly would like to see an indoor complex such as summerland revived. It was a tragedy but the happy memories as a child are still vivid even in my late 40's.My thoughts are with those who lost someone dear xx. Meanwhile a group of three school boys on holiday from Liverpool was hanging around at the back of the building next to a section of a dismantled fibre-glass kiosk. I had a great time. We would spend alot of time up there because of the pool and because they could keep and eye on us and have a drink at the same time. I made lots of friends both from the island and liverpool. The fire spread to the wall's interior soundproofing material, which was highly combustible, causing an intense fire that ignited the flammable acrylic sheeting that covered the rest of the building. For just over two years the centre attracted visitors from all over the world. On the night of the fire I had decided, for some unknown reason, to spend some time on the ASTROGLIDE (who remembers that ?) After another few minutes the flames had spread over the top of the building and were beginning to engulf the whole place, it was horrible to see. We saw the fire take hold and like many others my parents were shocked and crying at the horror of the tragic loss of life. (Good move as it happens - I understood later that about 12 people were found dead at the bottom of that staircase, which I seem to recall did not have proper handrails round it, being largely decorative.) Fifty people were killed and 80 seriously injured. We hadn't had decent swimming baths for a long time in Douglas and for that reason alone I couldn't wait to get in and have a look. I remember the music and noise of people just enjoying themselves. Find it on the Isle of Man | Business, Restaurants, Classifieds, Events and more To access your webmail, click Sign In Find it on the Isle of Man Click here to sign into webmail What's On? Two years after its completion in 1971 the high tech promenade venue was the scene of devastation after a fire ripped through the building killing 50 people. I've just seen that picture of the pool with the rows of spectator seats and it brought it all back to me.I remember the next year when the fire happened because we were packing for our holiday to Anglesea when the news broke. I wondered why she was fussing me so much and so upset, after all, I was fine. It was all shining, it even smelt new. We crossed onto the promenade via a walkway which crossed the road, I think. [12] The fire brigade's provisional total of 51 deaths at the scene was subsequently revised down to 48, and two others died in hospital, one in Douglas on 11 August and the other in Scotland on 29 September; the latter is excluded from the Isle of Man coroner's list of 49 deaths. I was too young to realise what had happened but it makes me feel cold now. The site on King Edward Road in Douglas has remained unused since the complex was. 05 Apr 2023 - 16 Apr 2023. But things got a little more decadent when you ventured underground. construction of a swimming pool, which was completed in 1969. The Summerland disaster is the worst day in Manx history and remains the third worst loss of life from fire on land in the British Isles since World War Two. There was a charming wooden see saw, slide and roundabout. Now I have my own kids of my age at the time of the disaster, I know why. After another few minutes the flames had spread over the top of the building and were beginning to engulf the whole place, it was horrible to see. Although I remember when the fire happened (as a relative was working there that evening and thankfully survived), my happy memories are also quite vivid as I used to go there many times, especially during school holidays. I feel there should always be something incorporated into whatever is built or put on the site to commemmorate the people who died. mike howarthI was at summerland in august 1973,and went to the groovey disco underneath,but it seemed a bit lacking in atmosphere compared to the clubs in Manchester.I was also in Douglas when Summerland set on fire and joined the long queue of people donating blood for the victims. My dad raised the alarm after I smelt smoke coming from a slot machine. Following many goes on the slide (the attendant was very friendly and let me have many free rides!) The burning kiosk collapsed against the exterior of the building. The Summerland Tragedy, Isle of Man.On the 2nd of August, 1973, a fire broke out in . Canada Revenue 1/5 Excise Tax Matchbook "SUMMERLAND GROCETERIA" West Summerland C$10.00 Seller: DeveneyStamps ( 4410 ) Gray 2017 Keystone Summerland 2980 BH with 1 miles for sale at public car auctions in Carville LA on 03-07-2023. StewartI dont remember the initial Summerlands complex, but I was in Summerlands in the mid 80's; after it was rebuilt and reopened in 1978; I was therer on annual camp with the scouts, that was the year I joined the scouts and that was the reason i joined, the trip to the Isle of Man.What a great time I had there using the swimming pool. I've not lived on the Island for 10 years, but I have the memories of the great times I had & will never forget Summerland, even know my time spent there was in the 90's, quite a long time following the 1973 Disaster. I had the best holidays ever as a kid in IOM , it is a magical place. Also had a vague recollection that the lads who were smoking near a kiosk which led to the fire, came from Liverpool. The west wall remains intact as there is concern that its removal may cause the adjacent cliff to collapse. My Mum persuaded me not to stay any longer in the childrens' play area in the basement, so we returned to the gallery area overlooking the stage/dancefloor to join my brother and uncle. Mass Cholera Grave in Douglas. from when I was an infant until I was a teenager.Also my dad and his friend used to have such fun jumping on the beaded filled cushions in the solariumI also remember being at home in Liverpool watching the blaze on TV and crying becuase I would never be able to go there again. Seacroft, 3 Summerland, Ramsey. But the dream was short lived. In June of 1832, Cholera arrived on the Isle of Man. Now it's completely gone & it is a shame but they will hopefully put something back there for the manx & visitors to enjoy & make their amemories last a lifetime too. We spent alot of time in Summerland it was a great venue for all the family. The death toll brought about a public inquiry that ran from September 1973 to February 1974. Manx Forums - A Discussion Board & Classifieds for the Isle of Man. There is also a mysterious underground room in the castle where a male ghost has been seen lingering. My Mum and I started to go towards a spiral staircase which led towards the main entrance but my uncle steered us further along the gallery to where there were fire exits leading to the swimming pool area. The island was cut off from the surrounding islands around 8000 BC as sea levels rose following the end of the ice age. I was so sad when the tragedy happened and still feel sad when I drive past the now empty site. When expanded it provides a list of search options that will switch the search inputs to match the current selection. It bears the names of those killed in the fire and is set into a circle of paving, alongside a stone laid earlier to mark the 25th anniversary. CLOSED COMPLETELY! A couple of the girls had been at the afternoon disco but were on their way back to the digs when the fire must have taken hold. ! To experience Summerland at that time was special and afterall, what has the Government ever done since to improve our quality of life here in the IOM. With the building also suffering from concrete cancer, the remainder of the site closed in 2004, and demolition began in January 2006. Follow on beyond Summerland and Port Jack. We went back when they rebuilt it but it didn't have the same atmosphere & at first people almost seemed to be looking over their shoulders as if they were waiting for something to happen, it was strange. Everywhere we went afterwards there was requests for blood donors it was so sad, and I think we were all glad to get home. I remember the music and noise of people just enjoying themselves. 34808 | VAT Registration Number: 001090349 Directors . 30 Mar 2023 - 05 Apr 2023 +. I WILL RETURN AS THERE IS A KIND OF MAGIC ATTRACTION ABOUT THE ISLAND,I SHALL ALWAYS REMEMBER 'THE GEM IN THE IRISH SEA' WAYNE FORD, Crazy Carol, OnchanMoonwalk,rollerskating & swimming, just 3 of the things that kept myself, my brother & cousins entertained for hours. Brings back great memories of times spent on the island. Nicole SmithThe queue to get into the swimming pool with my Mum, Dad & brother and of course the smell. The transparent roof was composed of 6 ft acrylic bronze-tinted sheets so that the natural light filtering through would appear like golden rays. I was told that the drummer from the show we had been watching did not make it. My Mum persuaded me not to stay any longer in the childrens' play area in the basement, so we returned to the gallery area overlooking the stage/dancefloor to join my brother and uncle. Phase I was the This devastating fire ripped through a leisure centre in the Isle of Man, killing 50 people and seriously injuring a further 80. Instead the first call came from a passing taxi driver, while another came from the captain of a ship 2 miles (3.2km) offshore who radioed HM Coastguard and said, "It looks as if the whole of the Isle of Man is on fire". I was one of the worst things that has ever happened on our small Island and none of us will ever forget the event. Isle of Man > Ramsey > Summerland > Semi-detached house for sale - 4 bedrooms . There were two phases in the building I think it would be appropriate and (hopefully) not too disrespectful to the people who passed away there. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Isle of Man: Summerland Entertainment Center - Vintage Photograph 1399644 at the best online prices at eBay! There were cafes and bars to relax in when you needed a drink. Her Name was Julie Panter, and her friend Dawn Ellingham wrote to me to tell me this. This, coupled with the constant sirens of emergency vehicles, is what made this the worst night of my life. There's not much left of the place. Summerland opened on 25 May 1971 and was designed to accommodate up to 10,000 tourists as one of the largest entertainment centres in the world. It was a lovely place but it's so sad the way it all ended. There are more than 2 filming locations on our site. xx. We felt at the time that it was the beginning of the good times here on the Isle of Man. We went to a show to see the Black and White Minstrels, that's when I smelt smoke. My parents had been to the site of the fire thinking I was in there as I had been all week. I decided to throw a wobbly and asked for a toy as I didn't want to go to the show - overtired! Feb 22, 2021 - Manx Electric Railway 26 a 1898 GF Milnes crossbench tram at Derby Castle terminus in Douglas about to push crossbench trailer 56 back to the depot past the rebuilt Summerland on 14 July 1978. I remember the main floor in front of the stage with all the deck chairs & the straw umbrellas, the music, the talent shows. But I was young and my family did not let me know about it. Douglas, Isle of Man IM1 2SE Registered in the Isle of Man No. "Excellent! The fire exits - clear glass ones, all in a row - were locked which I guessed afterwards was to prevent people paying for access to one area and then going to the other as well. When we finally reached the bottom the firemen were there to guide us out and just as we got outside, the whole place was engulfed by fire. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. When it opened Summerland w The pool was salt water and it made my eyes sting. A report commissioned by the Lieutenant Governor in 1973 stated that the blaze was the worst peacetime fire disaster in the British Isles since 1929. last updated: 04/04/2008 at 15:38created: 03/04/2008. It had been a last minute holiday booking and to this day I will not go on a last miniute booking holiday. Ramsey is one of the sunniest parts of the Isle of Man, offering walks, fishing, golf, cycling and swimming. When we finally reached the bottom the firemen were there to guide us out and just as we got outside, the whole place was engulfed by fire. My dad played a lot of squash so I was always there watching him, well trying.. it took me years to be tall enough to see over from the spectators gallery properly.Every weekend it would either be rollerskating, swimming or the play area in the day and at night we would come back for the cabaret and more time in the play area.Through the week I would be in Summerland for 5-a-side football and swimming lessons with my school.For years I knew nothing about the fire but was told by my parents at a sensible age, from this moment on I wanted to know what the place looked like as their description made it sound out of this world and it was!I have spent many an hour researching everything Summerland.I have to admit I did feel very sad when I saw this place coming down.A newer more aesthetically pleasing version needs to be built, we need a more resourceful entertainment complex on the Island, everthing under one roof.. like Summerland! It was all shining, it even smelt new. My Uncle and several other "big chaps" hurled themselves against the fire doors to break them down. Sharon BridsonI was 12 that year. We came back to the island the year after the fire and we stayed in Oncan. Majestic Apartments can be found a short distance along on the right hand side. (Good move as it happens - I understood later that about 12 people were found dead at the bottom of that staircase, which I seem to recall did not have proper handrails round it, being largely decorative.) celiaI was on holiday at the IOM with a group of girl friends the week of the Summerland fire. To experience Summerland at that time was special and afterall, what has the Government ever done since to improve our quality of life here in the IOM. The street frontage and part of the roof was clad in Oroglas, a transparent acrylic glass sheeting.[5]. The building's exterior and the interior were designed by two different architectsthey did not coordinate their planning with each other and thereby created a venue with significant fire risks that were to become apparent only later. JaxuttonOK.What's with the 3 school-boys, what caused the fire?Accident or sabotage was an investigation carried out?Tell us more! The end of a holiday dream A lot of people on the Island will never forget what happened on 2nd August 1973. on the night of the summerland fire,my wife and mother and father inlaw (in there late seventies) plus myself with a wife who was expecting a child,were due to have a drink in the top bar as a fairwell to there holls before returning to liverpool next day, due to a strange event my wife hair rollers broke down so delaying by half an hour our departure.we stoped at the laxey filling station only to be told the complex was on fire!! It was so colourful and had such a happy and relaxed atmosphere. One survivor (who was a child at the time) remembered her father noticing smoke coming from the ventilation shaft and had started to attempt to evacuate when the whole area erupted in flames. I'll never forget the tragedy and the emptiness we felt after that horrific day. We stayed for a week and on all of the 4 nights preceding the evening of the disaster I had been to the complex for a swim and play around with new-found friends. Experts into wreckage of building 4. The Isle of Man [1] ( Manx: Ellan Vannin) is an island in the British Isles, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland.